FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The process of applying for federal disability retirement was designed by government bureaucrats, which means it’s complicated and nuanced. You have questions, and we have the answers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kal disability and how can you help me?
Kal Disability is a firm that specializes in helping federal employees obtain OPM Disability Retirement, by working with them to prepare their application and ensuring that they have met each of the eligibility criteria and that they are positioned in the best possible way for success.
Why should I hire an experienced federal disability retirement specialist for something i can do on my own?
The truth is that you can certainly apply on your own without the help of a professional, however, our expertise adds value and greatly reduces the chance of your application getting denied. There are potentially hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars at stake over the course of your lifetime, with the stakes hinged on the acceptance or denial of your application. Most people wisely choose not to take the risk.
WHAT KIND OF DISABILITY WOULD MAKE ME ELIGIBLE FOR OPM DISABILITY RETIREMENT?
Unlike Worker’s Compensation, the disability does not need to be work-related. As long as you developed a diagnosis during your federal employment that prevents you from performing one or more essential functions of your job or renders you incompatible with your job, that would be sufficient.
Your eligibility for OPM Disability Retirement can also be considered if you carried a diagnosis prior to federal employment, as long as it became exacerbated during your federal employment to the point that it now prevents you from performing your job or renders you incompatible with your job.
IS OPM DISABILITY RETIREMENT ALWAYS THE BEST THING TO APPLY FOR IN ALL INSTANCES WHEN A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE SUFFERS FROM A DISABLING MEDICAL CONDITION?
Most of the time, OPM Disability Retirement is the best route to take, though it may not be in all instances. It is recommended that you request a FERS Benefits Estimate from your Human Resources department, which will provide you with all the retirement options available to you, along with an estimate of the benefits you would receive with each option.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my application?
OPM states that it takes up to 12 months to receive a decision. In our experience, the average has been more like 6-9 months, though there have been applicants who were lucky to get approved in under 5 months. There are some ways to expedite the process, and Kal Disability can guide you in how to accomplish this.
what are your fees?
We charge a flat fee that can either be paid upfront or over a 10-month period. Our incredible success rates provide us with the confidence to offer a 100% money back guarantee if your application is ultimately not approved.
HOW LONG DO I NEED TO HAVE WORKED AS A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR OPM DISABILITY RETIREMENT?
To be potentially eligible for OPM Disability Retirement, you need to have worked as a federal employee under FERS for a minimum of 18 months.
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF BENEFIT THAT I WOULD RECEIVE IF I WERE TO BE APPROVED FOR OPM DISABILITY RETIREMENT?
Upon approval, federal employees receive 60% of their high-3 average salary throughout the first year, and then 40% thereafter until they reach regular retirement age (62). You would also be eligible to continue receiving Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage and other health/life insurance coverages in most instances.
What will Kal Disability do for me?
We will draft a comprehensive letter for your doctor to use as a template for his/her supporting statement for your OPM Disability Retirement application.
This statement will include all of the medical information OPM details in SF 3112C as necessary information for the application and will also include specific verbiage to demonstrate how you meet the eligibility requirements.
Kal Disability will also work with you to complete an evidence package that will position your application in the best way possible, and draft various other required documents for your application, coordinating at times with your agency to obtain specific documents from them on your behalf.
Finally, Kal Disability will be available for you throughout the process of submission and receiving a decision for any bumps that come up along the way.
there are a lot of firms out there doing the same thing. why should i trust you?
Our firm is dedicated solely to helping federal employees apply for disability retirement, which means that we have built up valuable expertise and a deep understanding of this process. Our success rates speak for themselves!
General federal employment law firms can become distracted by other potential issues in your case that can seem more attractive and lucrative, and neglect to provide the quality experience that you deserve. At the same time, we have an understanding of other areas of federal employment law which may overlap with your disability retirement case, and can give basic guidance in most cases or refer to an attorney as necessary.
Are there any hidden fees i'll only learn about once i sign up?
No. We are upfront with our fees and will not hit you with tacked on fees at any later point.
Let’s chat!
Kal Disability
PHONE: 800-661-0989
EMAIL: [email protected]
address: 2401 Fountain View Dr Ste 461-28, Houston,TX 77057